Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has officially declared his candidacy for governor in 2026, intensifying the already heated GOP primary. This move positions him against Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and state Attorney General Chris Carr, making for a dynamic race among Republican contenders.
Raffensperger made his announcement on Wednesday, stating, “I’m a conservative Republican, and I’m prepared to make the tough decisions. I follow the law and the Constitution, and I’ll always do the right thing for Georgia no matter what.” His commitment to upholding Georgia’s laws and his conservative values will likely appeal to a significant portion of the electorate as he seeks to implement a bold agenda if elected.
His campaign promises are extensive. Among his top proposals are eliminating the state income tax, capping property taxes for seniors, and repealing taxes on homebuying costs. These measures illustrate his focus on simplifying taxes and supporting families. He also advocates for expanding tax credits for parental school choice and banning certain drugs used in gender-affirming care. Further, he aims to address educational policies by purging what he calls “woke curriculums” from schools.
Raffensperger’s campaign also emphasizes safety and job retention within the state. His statement outlines a pledge to work alongside Trump and other leaders to bring jobs back and ensure communities are secure. This consistent message reflects his focus on traditional conservative values, crafting an image of a leader dedicated to the people of Georgia.
Historically, Raffensperger’s position within the GOP has been contentious, especially considering his role in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election. Raffensperger stood firm against efforts to overturn President Biden’s victory in Georgia, which has put him at odds with Trump. During a January 2020 phone call, Trump famously pressured him to “find” votes to change the outcome, but Raffensperger rebuffed this request, stating, “We believe our numbers are right.” This moment generated significant backlash from Trump, resulting in primary challenges for both Raffensperger and Governor Brian Kemp in the 2022 elections.
Despite the pressure and public clashes, both Raffensperger and Kemp successfully beat back their challengers in the primary, ultimately winning in the general election. Their ability to navigate this tumultuous political landscape speaks to their resilience and the support they maintain within the party, especially among voters who may prioritize adherence to law and order over party loyalty.
The dynamics of the current GOP primary race are further complicated by the entry of former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan into the Democratic race for governor. Duncan, who openly criticized Trump during his tenure, recently switched parties, adding another layer to Georgia’s evolving political landscape. Commenting on Raffensperger’s entrance into the gubernatorial race, Kevin Donohoe from the Democratic Governors Association noted how it “injects a new level of chaos into what was already a messy primary,” suggesting Raffensperger’s bid could fragment the vote, potentially benefiting Democratic candidates.
While Georgia has long been regarded as a Republican stronghold—having elected Republican governors since 2002—the tides have been shifting. The state has increasingly become a battleground for both parties, with changing demographics and evolving political sentiments. As the campaign develops, the challenge will be for Raffensperger to consolidate support among conservatives while distinguishing himself amidst rising competition within the GOP.
Raffensperger’s announcement strengthens his position as a serious contender with a clear, conservative vision for Georgia’s future. His background as an engineering entrepreneur may lend him an additional layer of credibility as a problem-solver and an advocate for practical solutions. The 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of robust engagement, policy debate, and a reflection of where the Republican Party in Georgia is headed. Voters will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold in the lead-up to the primary, assessing who among the candidates is most prepared to lead the state while honoring conservative principles.
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